Top 10 Golden Gate Bridge Photo Spots
Last week I had the pleasure of enjoying a little getaway to San Francisco with Nate. I love visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and taking in the beautiful bay views. I thought it would be fun to share some of my personal favorite spots to photograph the bridge…so below you’ll find my top 10 list of places to see this iconic landmark.
And make sure to scroll all the way to the end to grab my free photo cheat sheet, which has all of the exact pin locations and driving directions for every photo shown in this post!
This is my favorite spot to view sunrise over the Golden Gate Bridge. Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Hawk Hill is proudly perched atop a 923 foot peak in the Marin Headlands. A well known lookout point for hawks, falcons, eagles and more, the wildlife here isn’t limited to the sky. In the early morning predawn hours I’ve seen coyotes up close, and traffic signs all along the drive up alert you to be watchful for deer crossing.
On the north side of the bridge, you’ll find one of my favorite places to photograph the golden arches. This is a popular sunset spot that can get crowded and can be hard to find parking, so I think morning is a great time to visit here. If you come early (before 9 AM on the weekends) and nab one of the coveted spots in the parking area, it is a quick and easy 750 foot walk past the old military buildings to some of the most spectacular and famous views of the Golden Gate Bridge up close, as well as the San Francisco skyline in the distance.
For more information on this spot, see my full blog post on Battery Spencer here.
3. Conzelman Road Turnouts-Marin Headlands
There are numerous spots to pull over and park while driving down from Hawk Hill to Battery Spencer. Three popular options are on Conzelman Road, and you can plan on being treated to a wonderful view of the bridge at any one of them.
4. Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point (North Side)
There are vista points on both the north and south side of the bridge, but I prefer the north side. There are two parking areas which offer free parking for at least four hours (only on the north side), and I’m really only interested in seeing the bridge itself…I don’t need to visit a gift shop or café (which you’ll find at the South Vista Point).
It’s fun to drive across the bridge, but it’s even better to walk out on it and feel the steel cables with your own fingertips. During the day, pedestrians are allowed to walk on the east side, while cyclists can ride on the west side. The bridge stands 220 feet high above the water, and you can really feel the wind swirl around you. The bridge is 1.7 miles long, so if you plan to walk, jog or run across and back, you’ll have completed a nice 5K for the day. 😉
6. Golden Gate Overlook at the Presidio of San Francisco
Presidio is a 1500 acre National Park site located on a former military base. It is home to many wonderful spots including Crissy Field, Baker Beach and Walt Disney Family Museum, as well as numerous historical buildings and yummy eateries. There are marshland and forested areas here, as well as wonderful bluffs to explore and gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge from.
Located within Presidio, Chrissy Field sits on a 130 acre salt marsh that was turned into a dumping spot and US Army Air Field before it closed in 1974. Affected by the dumping of hazardous materials, the National Park Service took control of this area in 1994 and worked to restore this site, which opened to the public in 2001 with new sidewalks, boardwalks, and the Crissy Field Center. This is a hugely popular place to see the fireworks on the 4th of July, and outdoor activities abound here. I enjoy the clear bridge views while watching the kite surfers and tossing a frisbee with Nate.
You can drive or enjoy a walk along one of the trails from Crissy Field to visit this impressive brick fortress, which was standing long before construction on the Golden Gate Bridge began. Fort Point is open to the public with a bookstore, tours and information Fridays through Sundays from 10am till 5pm…however, the exterior can be accessed seven days a week. Golden Gate views from here are extraordinary as you find yourself standing directly under the south side of the bridge.
I wanted to include this museum on my list because there are plenty of places in San Francisco to see the bridge while enjoying other unique elements the city has to offer. Home to over 6000 years of ancient and European art, the Legion of Honor is a highlight of rich history located in Lincoln Park. You’re just a short walk from Lands End Labyrinth, and as you enter the beautiful museum grounds, you will be met impressively by Rodin’s The Thinker. The courtyard was built as a three-quarter scale replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, and you will wonder if you’ve left California for Europe before walking the grounds and finding the Golden Gate gazing back at you.
10. Batteries to Bluffs Trail & Marshall’s Beach
I think Marshall’s Beach is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful hidden gems. It is my absolute favorite beachfront spot to watch the Golden Gate Bridge gleam as the sun sets in the distance. Located just north of the popular (and clothing optional) Baker Beach, Marshall’s Beach can be accessed from the Batteries to Bluffs Trailhead. You will have to descend rugged steps endlessly to access this remote beach, and because of its close proximity to the unofficial nude Baker Beach, there’s always a chance you’ll see a nude sun bather here. Most of the time, however, you’re more likely to see multiple wedding or portrait photographers capturing the glorious views for their clients. Marshall’s Beach is incredible and rather secluded, the bridge views are truly awe inspiring, and the short but challenging hike make this a spot I never want to miss when visiting San Fransico.
So there you have it…10 of my favorite spots to see the Golden Gate Bridge, I’d love to here your favorites too. Sign up for my Golden Gate Bridge Photo Cheat Sheet below to see the exact spots where I captured these images along with Google driving directions.
Until next time I hope you find andevture and encouragement wherever you go.
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Today we're checking out the top 10 photo spots in San Fran, California. This Flying Dawn Marie travel guide will take you all over SF to the best viewpoints for photography, such as Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, and Lombard Street. We'll capture great Instagram shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and many other iconic landmarks in the Bay Area.